The library was quiet, just as Valerie liked it. Morning sunlight poured through the tall windows, casting warm golden rays over rows of bookshelves. After breakfast, She decided to spend some time here. Her mood wasn’t suited for company, and the library felt like a safe haven. She wandered the aisles, running her fingers along the spines of books, searching for something that would hold her attention. Finally, she spotted one on the top shelf. Its title was barely visible, and she had to squint to read it. “That’s the one,” she muttered to herself. The ladder was close by, a sturdy wooden thing I’d used a thousand times before. She moved it into position, climbed up carefully, and stretched toward the book. It was just a little out of reach. “Come on,” she grumbled, standing on tiptoes, her fingers brushing the edge of the spine. The door creaked open behind her. She froze mid-reach, her heart skipping a beat. Turning her head, she saw Matteo stroll in, his usual cocky
Selena stood in the kitchen, stirring a spoon through her coffee, though she wasn’t drinking it. Her movements were sharp, almost irritated, the clinking of the spoon against the ceramic mug betraying her frustration. She wasn’t expecting him back so soon. “Not even a hello?” Adrian’s voice broke the silence, smooth and cutting like a blade. Selena stiffened but didn’t turn around. “You’re back early. Should I roll out the red carpet?” Adrian smirked as he leaned against the doorframe, his dark eyes studying her with a mix of amusement and something else—something she couldn’t quite place. “Charming as always.” Selena finally turned, her expression set in a glare. “What do you want, Adrian?” He pushed off the doorframe, walking into the kitchen with deliberate, slow strides. “What, no kiss to welcome me home?” She scoffed, crossing her arms. “In your dreams.” Adrian stepped closer, the air between them growing taut. He had that maddening way of invading her space without
Selena woke to an unusual stillness in the house. For a moment, she lay in bed, her eyes on the ceiling, letting the faint morning light seep into the room. The silence was unnerving. Adrian wasn’t a quiet presence. Even when he wasn’t speaking, his footsteps echoed, his voice carried, his dominance filled every corner of the house. But today, it was eerily quiet. She sat up, her brows furrowing as she glanced at the clock. It was nearly 9 a.m. Adrian never left without telling her—not because he cared to, but because he liked reminding her she was under his control. Slipping out of bed, Selena wrapped herself in a robe and padded down the hallway. The guards stationed near the stairs straightened as she approached. “Where’s Adrian?” she asked, her tone curt. The guards exchanged glances but said nothing. “I asked you a question,” she snapped, irritation sparking in her chest. Still, silence. She turned to Matteo, Adrian’s right-hand man, who stood by the doorway with his
The office was quiet. Everyone else had gone home, but she stayed behind, sitting alone at her desk, working on designs no one had asked for.Her hands were sore, but she kept going, determined to keep her mind off the mess her life had become.“Ma’am, it’s getting late,” Matteo said, glancing at his watch. “We need to leave now. Sir will be worried.”She rolled her eyes. Worried? Yeah, right.The constant presence of her bodyguards annoyed her to no end. Who brought four guards to work? They barely spoke to her, standing around like statues, always muttering, “Ma’am,” as if that was all they could say.Matteo was the worst. He acted like she’d personally offended him. She could feel how much he wanted her out of Adrian’s life—as if that wasn’t her dream too.Three months of being married to Adrian Russo, and she was already desperate for a way out.She wanted to escape so badly, but there was no way out. If she ever had the chance, she’d shoot Lucien Bennett, her useless father, for
Selena was far too exhausted to move. Her joints throbbed, and her eyes felt heavy with fatigue. She had cried herself to sleep the previous night and hadn’t risen from bed until this evening. How had she allowed herself to get tangled in such a mess? “Aunty, please take care of her for me,” she murmured, holding her phone tightly against her ear. “I don’t want her getting involved, please.” “I will,” her mother replied on the other end before abruptly ending the call. Selena’s Aunt lived all the way in Italy and hadn’t attended Selena’s wedding because of a bitter divorce with her father. It was just as well. Aunty Nani had been guarding Selena’s deepest secret for three years. Her presence now would only unravel everything—and Adrian would never forgive her if he discovered the truth. Knock, knock. “Ma’am?” Paula, one of the maids, peeked cautiously into the room. “Sir asked me to give you this.” She stepped inside, placed a box on the bed, and quickly left. Selena lifted the l
Selena stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection. The red gown fit her like a glove, its flowing chiffon skirt brushing against her ankles. Despite its beauty, she felt no joy wearing it. The dress was another tool in Adrian’s arsenal to control her, another piece of his game. Her fingers brushed against the lace detailing on the bodice as her mind drifted. Why had Adrian demanded she dress up tonight? What was he planning now?Her thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. Paula entered, holding a small velvet box. "Sir asked me to deliver this, ma’am." She placed the box on the vanity and left without another word.Selena hesitated before opening it. Inside lay an intricate diamond necklace, each gem sparkling under the soft bedroom light. A note was tucked inside: *Wear it. I’ll pick you up in ten minutes.*She sighed and fastened the necklace around her neck. Its weight felt oppressive, like a shackle. Just as she finished, another knock sounded at the door,
Adrian sat in the darkness of his study long after Selena left. The glass of whiskey in his hand trembled slightly as he lifted it to his lips, his mind replaying her final words. "One day, you’ll look back and realize what you lost."He growled low under his breath and slammed the glass onto the desk, the sound of shattering crystal breaking the suffocating silence. Selena paced the length of her bedroom, her mind filled with anger and confusion. Adrian's coldness, his refusal to let her in—it was infuriating. She glanced at the clock on the wall. Midnight. Sleep was out of the question. Her thoughts kept drifting to Nathan’s cryptic words and the look of barely contained rage on Adrian’s face. What was he hiding? Her pacing was interrupted by the sound of her phone buzzing on the bedside table. She hesitated before picking it up. The caller ID read "Unknown." Frowning, she answered. "Hello?" "Selena." Nathan's voice was smooth, teasing. Her grip tightened on the phone. "
Selena’s breath hitched as the tension in the room thickened. Adrian stood tall and menacing, his gaze locked onto Nathan, who remained calm, a smug grin on his face. “Adrian, I—” Selena began, but he cut her off with a sharp glance. “Stay back,” Adrian ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument. His eyes never left Nathan as he stepped forward. “What the hell do you think you’re doing, Nathan? Coming here, sneaking into my home?” Nathan shrugged, leaning casually against the balcony railing. “Relax, cousin. I was just having a little chat with Selena. She deserves to know the truth, don’t you think?” Adrian’s fists clenched, his knuckles turning white. “You don’t get to decide what she deserves.” Selena’s frustration boiled over. “Stop talking about me like I’m not here!” she snapped, stepping between them. “I’m done with this. Both of you need to tell me what’s going on. Now.” Nathan smirked, his gaze flicking to Adrian. “See? She’s curious. Why don’t we give her wha
Isabella held the phone to her ear, The silence that followed her selene's father’s words was deafening, ringing in her ears like an unspoken warning. Her heart pounded against her ribs, frustration and confusion clashing inside her like two raging storms.“I will tell you when it is time, but for now, give yourself a good rest,” he had said, his voice calm yet distant, before abruptly ending the call.Isabella stared at the dark screen, her lips parting as if to say something, but the words never came. A lump formed in her throat, thick with emotions she couldn't quite name. Anger? Worry? Fear? She clenched her jaw and inhaled deeply, trying to suppress the surge of questions threatening to drown her thoughts. What was he hiding? Why was he being so cryptic? She hated being kept in the dark, especially when it concerned something so obviously important.He should have just tell her right away. When he knew he won't tell her immediately, why did he call? She hissed in anger. With
The night air was biting cold, making Selene shiver slightly as she wrapped her arms around herself. Nathan noticed and turned to her. “You should go inside,” he said, his voice laced with concern.Selene nodded. “I will head to my room now.”Nathan fell into step beside her, escorting her through the dimly lit corridors. Just as they neared her room, footsteps echoed from the other side. Nathan looked up and immediately stiffened when he saw Adrian, Matteo, and Rosco approaching.The moment Selene saw Adrian, her face lit up. Without hesitation, she left Nathan’s side and rushed toward him. “Adrian,” she called softly, relief and affection clear in her voice.Nathan clenched his fists as he watched her throw her arms around Adrian, pressing herself against him as though he was the only thing that mattered. His stomach twisted in knots, but he forced himself to remain composed.Adrian responded immediately, holding her close as he kissed the top of her head. His grip on her was posse
Nathan’s footsteps echoed sharply as he stormed down the corridor, his jaw clenched so tight it ached. His hands balled into fists, his mind racing with everything that had just happened.Adrian was playing with them. Toying with them.He didn't need to say their names. His knowing looks, the smug amusement in his voice, it was clear. Adrian suspected them. No, he knew. And that meant they were walking on a thin line that could snap at any second.Behind him, Isabelle followed at a measured pace, her expression eerily composed.“Are you going to slow down,” she murmured, “or should I run to keep up?”Nathan exhaled sharply but didn’t stop. “He was testing us.” His voice was low, furious. “And you played right into it.”Isabelle chuckled, a soft, knowing sound. “Me?” She arched a brow. “I handled that beautifully.”Nathan spun to face her, his eyes flashing with barely restrained anger. “He doesn’t need proof, Isabelle. Not with the way you smirked through the entire thing. You might a
A slow, wicked smile curled her lips as she glanced back at the door they had just shut. Nina’s pained gasps still echoed faintly behind it, her weak body convulsing as the poison did its work. A fitting end for a loose end.Isabelle exhaled sharply, the thrill of control surging through her veins. She had done it. One less obstacle standing in her way.But Nathan wasn’t as composed.He walked beside her, his jaw clenched, his posture stiff. Something about the way he moved, the way his fingers twitched at his sides made it clear that something was on his mind.Isabelle noticed, but she didn’t comment. Not yet.They emerged from the labyrinth and stepped into the crisp night air. The guards they had drugged still lay motionless, their breathing slow and even. Everything had gone exactly as planned.No mistakes.No witnesses.Nathan ran a hand through his dark hair, his expression unreadable as he turned to her. “It’s done.” His voice was flat, but there was something underneath it.
The moment Isabelle returned to her room, she shut the door and pressed her back against it. Her chest heaved, her fingers trembled, but not with fear. No, it was something else.Disappointment.Power.Nathan’s words still echoed in her mind, cutting deeper than she wanted to. "You should be making peace with Victoria, not picking fights with her. That is the only way you stand a chance of winning Adrian back."Her lips curled in disgust.Make with peace with that brat that doesn't even like me at all, she scoffed. He thought she was weak.Adrian thought she was insignificant.Selene and Victoria had made a fool of her.The rage inside her boiled hotter, clawing at her insides, demanding release.She wouldn’t allow this.She refused to be discarded like trash.Her fingers curled into fists as she paced the room, her nails digging into her palm. Her entire body shook with fury, her mind racing with thoughts of revenge.They want a war?A slow, cruel smirk tugged at her lips.They wil
Nathan’s villa was quiet, but the silence was shattered by a deep, thunderous voice.“ISABELLE!”Adrian’s furious roar echoed through the sitting room , his voice sharp enough to cut through the whole villa. His eyes blazed with rage, his presence commanding as he stood in the middle of the sitting room, his fists clenched.Isabelle sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers digging into the sheets as she bit her nails, her mind a whirlwind of frustration and anger. The events at the training grounds played over and over in her head, taunting her.She should have handled it better. She should have fought harder.Her pride was wounded, and the humiliation burned deep.“Damn it,” she hissed, her fingers gripping her hair as she rocked slightly, seething. How could she have let Victoria humiliate her like that? How could she have lost control in front of everyone?Her breath came out uneven, rage tightening her chest.Then. “ISABELLE!”The deep, thundering voice shattered the silence.Her
Adrian had planned to spend a quiet evening with Selene. He walked into her room with the simple idea of enjoying some calm time together. But as he opened the door, he found Victoria sitting there, chatting with Selene. The two women looked up, startled, as they saw him. Selene’s eyes widened in surprise because she had not expected Adrian so soon. It has been long he visited her room.Victoria was about to offer an excuse, a polite reason to leave them alone, when Adrian raised a hand. “Sit down,” he said calmly. With that, Selene moved toward him and gently rested her head on his lap. Adrian smiled softly and began to caress her hair, his touch both comforting and intimate.Once they settled, Adrian began to share news about recent events. He spoke about Nina’s latest activities, his tone low and serious. Then he mentioned Isabelle. The moment the name crossed his lips, Selene instantly sprang up from his lap, her face filled with worry.“How did she get back into the estate?” Sele
Nina’s breath came in quick, uneven gasps as Rosco’s words echoed in her ears.“Why are you standing there?”She willed herself to move, to answer, to do anything other than stand frozen in place like a trapped animal. But the weight of what she had just discovered pressed down on her, rendering her utterly speechless.Her hidden boss.The woman who had pulled the strings from the shadows. The one who had dictated her every move, the woman who spoilt her life by sending her to this dangerous world. And yet, this same woman this puppet master, had been living under the same roof as her all along. Watching. Waiting. Doing absolutely nothing while Nina endured every hardship alone.Her fingers clenched into fists at her sides, nails biting into her palms as the reality of it settled like a stone in her gut.So,she knew about everything happening but decided not to give her a call? She knew she was just a pawn in her game but atleast a pawn must also be protected. I cursed the day I me
The door swung open.Adrian's fingers stilled over the pages of the file, his cold gaze lifting to the entrance.Nathan, who had been watching him with a smirk, turned his head slightly, his amusement deepening as he took in the sight before them.A woman stood at the doorway, her figure poised yet confident, her eyes locked onto Adrian with an intensity that hadn’t faded despite the months.Isabelle.Adrian’s jaw tightened.Shock was not an emotion he allowed himself to feel often, but for a split second, it gripped him. He had gotten rid of her. He had driven her away himself, ensuring that she had no way of returning. Yet here she was, standing in his office as if she had never left.How?Who had helped her?Adrian’s gaze darkened as his mind worked through the possibilities.Nathan’s smirk widened as he observed the exchange, clearly entertained by the situation.“Now this,” Nathan mused, leaning back in his chair, “this is interesting.”Isabelle stepped forward, her eyes never le